Meditation and Its Practice

Swami Rama

In this practical guide to inner life, Swami Rama teaches us how to slip away from the mental turbulence of our ordinary thought processes into an infinite reservoir of consciousness. This clear, concise meditation manual provides systematic guidance in the techniques of meditation - a powerful tool for transforming our lives and increasing our experience of peace, joy, creativity, and inner tranquility.

The Program for Progress in Meditation outlined here opens the door to internal resources we have always had at our disposal, but have not been able to access. These are the techniques the sages of India have used from time immemorial to live in harmony with the world around them, to find strength to face life's difficulties, and to know themselves.

One of the greatest adepts, teachers, writers, and humanitarians of the 20th century, Swami Rama(1925-1996) is the founder of the Himalayan Institute. Born in Northern India, he was raised from early childhood by the Himalayan sage, Bengali Baba. He traveled from monastery to monastery and studied with a variety of Himalayan saints and sages. Swami Rama also received higher education in both India and Europe. From 1949 to 1952, he held the prestigious position of Shankaracharya in South India. He then returned to his master to receive further training at his cave monastery. In 1969 he came to the United States. His best known work, Living With the Himalayan Masters, reveals the many facets of this singular adept and demonstrates his embodiment of the living tradition of the East.

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From the Preface:

For thousands of years, the science of meditation has been studied and practiced by aspirants who sought to make their lives more serene, creative, and fulfilling. Meditation will give you the capacity to improve your health, your relationship, and the skillfulness with which you perform your activities. This is because meditation can do something no other technique can accomplish -- it introduces you to yourself on all levels and finally leads you to the center of consciousness within, from which consciousness flow through all the tributaries of life. This center or higher self is called Atman.

The seeker's aspirations are fulfilled when they become fully aware of Atman, the inner dweller, and no longer identify with the objects of the mind and the world. When this occurs, the aspirant become established in the realm of Atman, a blissful inner state called samadhi. After attaining this state, all questions are answered and all problems are resolved.

While the basic practices are simple to learn, you will find that the more consistently you practice, the more fully you will experience the benefits. At first you may notice simple changes, such as increased calmness and resistance to stress, but as you progress you will notice deeper and more significant developments within yourself. This inward journey is very pleasant, provided you are persistent and practice regularly.